Sharon White, the executive head of United Kingdom communications regulator OfCom, has said that putting an Internet router near a lamp may slow down browsing speed.

OfCom has warned that various electrical goods in the home can interfere with signals and slow down internet connection. This problem affects around 20 percent of household worldwide. Stereos and baby monitors are some of the obvious culprits of slowing browsing speed. However, there are other things causing the same problem that might surprise us.

Like Us on Facebook

According to Beta News, White said that many people who suffer slow internet speeds actually have fast connection delivered to their houses. She blames people who place their router on a coffee table next to the things like Stereo and other electrical products.

She added that they also need to consider the other important ingredients, pertaining to the choice, quality of service, competitive prices, and wider availability. The company has identified some areas of concern such as the rise of prices for some landline and broadband customers, which could not be justified by higher costs or improved service.

Daily Telegraph reported that OfCom estimates that internet broadband experience may not be working as well as it could in around a fifth of UK homes. The company has found out that the problem is caused by something unrelated to the Internet connection and could be a simple interference to the router from a stereo speakers, baby monitors or lamps.

In order to increase Internet speed, the watchdog advises to keep the router away from any other device emitting wireless signals. Also, place the router on a shelf, not on the floor and plug the device directly into the main phone socket. They advise against the use of telephone extension lead.

The company is working on a new tool that will enable people to diagnose the cause of their slow connection. This tool will help users to determine whether their slow speed is due to a problem with their connection, or with their equipment and its placement. The company's new tool will be released in December.

TagsInternet Speeds, ofcom, UK